Should You Buy iCloud+ or iPhone with Larger Storage?
Apple’s base model iPhone 16 still comes with just 128GB of storage, leaving many buyers wondering if they should splurge on a larger storage capacity or opt for an iCloud+ subscription. Is it better to get the 256GB iPhone or the 200GB iCloud+ plan? Let’s compare both options to help you decide.
What is iCloud and Why is it Important for iPhones?
iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service, allowing you to store photos, videos, contacts, notes, messages, documents, and more. It also helpsbackup and restore your iPhone, making your data accessible across all your linked Apple devices.
While you get 5GB of free iCloud storage, thisoften proves insufficientfor iPhone backups and data-heavy apps. You’ll likely face prompts to purchase more storage when backing up large amounts of data.
This is where iCloud+ comes in, offering plans ranging from 50GB to a massive 12TB, with options at 200GB and 2TB in between. These plans start at $0.99 per month (we’ll discuss pricing in more detail later).
Enhanced Privacy with iCloud+
Beyond expanded storage, iCloud+ includes valuable privacy features, starting with end-to-end encryption. Byenabling Advanced Data Protectionin your iCloud settings, your uploaded data becomes completely secure and even Apple cannot access the contents of your encrypted data.
Other privacy features in iCloud+ include:
Pros and Cons of iCloud Storage
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Buying iCloud+ vs. iPhone with Larger Storage: Cost-Benefit Analysis
First, let’s compare the pricing of different iPhone storage variants, using the newly released iPhone 16 as an example:
Now, let’s look at iCloud+ pricing:
Upgrading your iPhone storage typically costs $100 to go from 128GB to 256GB, and about $200 to go from 256GB to 512GB. This translates to roughly$0.78 per additional gigabyte, a one-time cost.
The 200GB iCloud+ plan, comparable in storage to the 256GB iPhone upgrade, costs $2.99 per month or $35.88 annually, about$0.18 per gigabyte per year. This is a recurring cost.
Over five years, you’d pay $179.40 for 200GB of iCloud+ space.
iCloud+ Offers More Overall Storage
With a 256GB iPhone 16, you get 256GB of total storage (minus system files). But with a 128GB iPhone 16 and 200GB iCloud+, you effectively get 328GB of combined storage.
The cost per additional gigabyte isn’t vastly different between the two options. In fact, it’s negligible if you consider that iCloud offers more than just storage; you also have automatic backups, data loss protection (and the peace of mind it brings along), and additional privacy features you may use.
So, What’s Better For You?
When deciding between an upper variant of the iPhone and iCloud+, ask yourself these questions:
Beware of These Caveats:
Wrapping Up: iCloud vs. iPhone Local Storage
Whether to purchase an iPhone with higher storage or get an iCloud subscription boils down to your usage patterns and priorities. If you’re often without reliable internet or need all your data offline, a 256GB (or higher) iPhone might be better.
However, for most users, a 128GB iPhone with 200GB iCloud+ offers more overall storage, backup, and security features, and added privacy benefits. While the upfront cost is lower, remember the ongoing iCloud+ subscription fee accumulates over time.
Weigh the pros and cons, consider your needs and priorities, and make the choice that’s right for you. Personally, I’d opt for the higher-storage iPhone. I’m not always on WiFi and frequently travel to places with limited connectivity. Local storage provides the flexibility I need in those situations.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
